Library

Heritage Days 2026: Explore the City of Paris Historical Library

Paris’ Historical City Library offers an extraordinary behind-the-scenes look for Heritage Days, on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Take a look inside a grand townhouse in the heart of the Marais.

Biblis goes wild: free family activities at libraries and media centers

From October 2 to 4, 2026, people of all ages are invited to the libraries and media centers of Paris and Île-de-France to enjoy a wide lineup of free activities and workshops focused on books and reading.

Nanna : the cosy literary barge with a library and a bar at the foot of Notre-Dame Cathedral

A literary barge, Nanna, has moored at the foot of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. An ideal spot on the banks of the Seine to read a few books, attend events, and enjoy a drink!

Did you know? In Paris, some libraries also lend out musical instruments.

What if your next guitar wasn’t waiting for you in a shop, but at the neighborhood library? In Paris, some libraries lend out musical instruments for free, so you can discover, restart, or simply dare to give it a go.

A giant open-air library and bookshop on the banks of the Seine in the 13th arrondissement.

From July 22 to 27, 2025, an ephemeral library takes over the quays of the Seine, inviting young and old to swap their favorite books. This "Billyothèque" promises a free, sunny reading break in the 13th arrondissement.

Objectif exam: free tutoring to prepare for exams, at the Cité des Sciences

From April 12 to June 30, 2025, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie library will be in revision mode to help students prepare for their final exams.

National Assembly library open to the general public: reservations now open

After a year of restoration work, the library of the French National Assembly is ready to reopen its doors! To mark the occasion, the French institution has decided to make this jewel of the Palais Bourbon accessible to the general public. And bookings are already open for special free tours, currently open from April 14 to 26, 2025.

En Quête d'Info: the festival dedicated to deciphering the media in Parisian libraries

En Quête d'Info, the festival dedicated to decoding the media, takes over Parisian libraries from March 29 to April 12, 2025. Conferences, debates, workshops and shows are on the program to question the production and distribution of information.

The Mazarine Library, the oldest public library at the Institut de France

The Bibliothèque Mazarine is France's oldest public library, and certainly one of its most beautiful. Open to all as part of the Institut de France, it's a cultural and heritage gem well worth a visit.

The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, in the heart of the Latin Quarter

The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is a landmark in the Latin Quarter. Discover its history!

Heritage Days 2024 at the Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal

For the Journées du Patrimoine 2024, the Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal welcomes you for tours on September 22! Discover the fascinating history of this emblematic site and immerse yourself in a unique cultural adventure!

Journées du Patrimoine 2024 at the Bibliothèque Sorbonne-Nouvelle, campus Nation

September 21 and 22, 2024 mark the return of the European Heritage Days. Among the treasures of Paris, don't miss a visit to the Bibliothèque Sorbonne-Nouvelle, a sanctuary of knowledge and Nation's newest architectural jewel. Discover its rich history and exceptional collections during this special weekend!

The Sainte-Barbe library: a free place to study with a view of the Panthéon

Just 100 meters from the Pantheon, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, is the Bibliothèque Sainte-Barbe. The BSB - as it's nicknamed - is a must for students studying for their mid-term exams, and a real Paris hotspot!

The sublime Mines Paris library, a hidden treasure in the Jardin du Luxembourg

The sublime Bibliothèque des Mines Paris (PSL), nestled in the historic Hôtel de Vendôme in the Luxembourg Gardens, invites you to take a trip back in time to the 18th century. With over 200,000 documents, the library is open to all.

BULAC, a free library dedicated to languages and civilizations from other parts of the world, where you can study and review

Not far from the famous François Mitterrand library, the Bibliothèque universitaire des langues et civilisations (BULAC) is the perfect place to borrow and consult a wide range of documents, especially if you're a language student! For all others, it's the perfect place to study for free, all day long and until 10pm in the evening.

The Bibliothèque Publique d'Information, the huge library in the Centre Georges Pompidou

The Bibliothèque publique d'information, or BPI, is located in the Centre Georges Pompidou, in the Marais district of Paris. With the longest opening hours in France, it's a popular place for students, teleworkers and other curious visitors to find sources of information, training and information on a wide range of subjects. We'll take you on a tour of one of the biggest libraries in Paris!

The Cinémathèque Française, a movie temple in the heart of Bercy

Screening sessions, library, museum, festivals… The Cinémathèque Française is the perfect place if you want to learn more about the history of cinema.

The Sorbonne Library, in the 5th arrondissement

If you're still a student, then you have the chance to visit the Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne, in the 5th arrondissement. A wonderful place to study in peace and quiet.

The Richelieu Library, historic birthplace of the BNF

The Bibliothèque Richelieu is one of the most beautiful libraries in Paris. Discover it for yourself!

Flanelles, the new hotel in the 17th arrondissement

Flanelles is the new hotel in the 17th arrondissement. Intimate, it features a number of nooks and crannies dedicated to relaxation, a library, a cocktail bar, a spa and a restaurant run by chef Thierry Alix.